El Segundo is Vail’s global taqueria

When it comes to an ideal après ski situation, there are plenty of options in Vail Village ranging from classic to classy. For something that straddles the line, and is an ideal destination for lunch or later, El Segundo is where tacos, tequila and a little bit of controlled chaos come together.​ Entering the restaurant feels like rolling up on a house party, but with better food: Bold murals highlight a bustling dining area while the creek-view deck beckons year-round (most locals will argue it’s the best patio in Vail Village). It’s this rock-n-roll, playful edge that has made El Segundo a favorite since it opened in 2019.

More than just another Mexican joint, Chef and Co-owner Dimitri Souvorin says El Segundo is a high-end taqueria, borrowing flavors from all over the world before wrapping them in a tortilla and a sense of humor. This winter, the Philly Cheese taco is back by popular demand, along with favorites like the Hot Korean and the Baja Crispy. 

El Segundo’s kitchen runs on a scratch ethos: no cans, no shortcuts. Each dish is composed from the ground up with bright salsas and piles of fresh vegetables, layering in bright flavors that sing. For those who show up absolutely starving after top-to-bottom laps, the fajitas feature prime flatiron steak; the burritos are overflowing and hearty big plates like the Wagyu-and-Colorado-lamb quesabirria tacos, served with a red chili consommé, ensure no one leaves hungry.​ 

Behind the bar, longtime team member John “JP” Luikert has stepped into the Bar Manager role, bringing deep local experience and a focus on fun, not formality. El Segundo leans hard into being one of the more affordable, come-as-you-are options in the center of Vail, with a bar scene frequented by familiar faces and a tequila-and-margarita program that’ll elevate even the most casual imbiber into a connoisseur. Margaritas can be ordered as a single or in “fiesta size” for a liter of fun. Start with a classic like the El Segundo Margarita or the Friend of the Devil (a spicy version) and you can ante up with a high-end spirit. The cocktails are also fun: Try a Purple Rain, which features prickly pear and serrano.

General Manager Chelsea LeComte and Assistant GM Ricky Gonzalez, both veterans of sister restaurant Montauk, have sharpened the service without losing the easygoing vibe. Families are welcome in the dining room (the kids’ menu caters to young ones without condescending) and big groups spill into a private room that features views of Gore Creek. On warm winter afternoons, the deck becomes a concert of clinking glasses and crunching chips as ski layers are shed for a bit of sun worshiping.Whether you wander in for some après ski fueling or a more leisurely experience, El Segundo delivers the party for your tastebuds and your soul.  

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